National Guard Role in Policing Grows Under Trump’s Order

Recently, a big decision has come to light in America, which is called the world’s most powerful democracy. Former US President Donald Trump gave such an order regarding the role of the National Guard, which not only created a stir in American politics, but also sparked a deep debate among the common citizens. Trump’s order says that now the responsibility of the National Guard will not be limited to military exercises or emergencies, but they will also have to play a big role in maintaining law and order and civil policing.

This move has raised many questions—will this decision strengthen America’s internal security or will it deepen the interference of forces like the military in the democratic structure? Let us understand this subject in detail.

What is the National Guard and its basic work?

The National Guard is a special military unit of America that works at both the state and federal levels. In common language, it can be called a link between the army and the police.

• Their job is to help in emergencies, deal with natural disasters, control riots or large-scale violence, and support the army in wartime.
• Every American state has its own National Guard unit and both the Governor or the President can give them orders.
• So far, their role was mostly limited to “auxiliary force in times of crisis”. But Trump’s order has given it a new direction.

Trump’s order and its scope

Donald Trump clearly stated in his order that the National Guard will now have to play a more active role in helping law enforcement agencies i.e. the police.

This means that:

• The National Guard can be directly used to handle law and order in civil demonstrations and protest movements.
• They can be deployed with the police force to control crime in big cities.
• Their interference may also increase in border security and immigration related activities.

Trump’s thinking behind the order

Trump has always been known for his “strict law and order” agenda. He believes that the police force alone is not capable of handling the increasing crime, racial violence and protests in America.

• Tough stand: Trump has said many times in election rallies that “to make America safe again, we have to empower the police further.”
• Political message: This order sends a message to his supporters that he is committed to strictly controlling crime and protest movements.
• National security: According to the Trump administration, this step will strengthen “national security” and “internal stability”.

Criticisms and concerns

Although many people liked this order of Trump, it faced strong criticism from those who believe in democratic values ​​and human rights organizations.

• Threat to democratic freedom: Critics say that the use of military-like power in policing can crush civil liberties.
• Human rights violation: The use of National Guard in large protests increases the risk of incidents like use of force and firing.
• Fear of political use: Some analysts believe that Trump can use this step to suppress opponents.

Reaction of American citizens

American society is divided into two parts on this order.

• Supporting citizens: They say that the situation in the country is worsening due to crime, shootings and protests. In such a situation, the police needs additional support and this deficiency will be filled by the National Guard.
• Opposing citizens: They argue that America is already infamous for the harshness of the police. If military power is involved in this, the safety of ordinary citizens will be in danger.

Deployment of National Guard in history

This is not the first time the National Guard has been used for policing.

• Many states called the Guard in the civil rights movement and protests in the 1960s.
• In the 1992 Los Angeles riots (after the Rodney King case), the National Guard played an important role in restoring law and order.
• Trump also ordered the deployment of the Guard during the George Floyd movement in 2020.

Therefore, it can be said that the Guard has been used in policing many times in history, but Trump’s order is in the direction of making this role more permanent and expanded.

Political impact

This decision is not just a matter of security, but is also deeply connected to politics.

• Republican Party (Trump’s party): They say that this step is in the direction of reducing crime and making America safe.
• Democratic Party: They consider it an attack on civil liberties and “militarization”.

This issue can influence voters in the upcoming elections, especially in those states where the crime rate is high.

International perspective

Countries around the world are keeping an eye on this move of America.

Democratic countries are worried that if a democracy like America can involve the army in civil policing, then it will set a dangerous example.

On the other hand, authoritarian countries can use it to justify themselves.

Future prospects

This order of Trump can have a long-term impact on American society and politics.

• If it succeeds, the joint functioning of the police force and the National Guard can become a new model.
• If this increases violence and violation of civil rights, then the public’s anger can prove to be too much for Trump and his policies.
• In the long run, the question will also arise that what are the limits of military and civil police in a democracy?

Conclusion

Trump’s order to increase the role of the National Guard is a major turning point in America’s internal politics and security policies. On the one hand, this step is being seen as a step to control crime and strengthen national security, while on the other hand it is also ringing alarm bells on democratic rights and civil liberties.

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